Piston-controlling mechanism



H. H. MERCER.

PISTON CONTROLLING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED FEH..I4| 191-6.

Patented Aug. 19, 1919.

, UNITED STATES PArEN OFFICE.

HENRY H. MERCER, 0F CLAREMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, ASSIGNOR TO SULLIVANMACHINERY COMPANY, A QORPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS.

PISTON-CONTROLLING MECHANISM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented All. 19, 1919.

Application filed February 14, 1916. Serial No. 78,259.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HENRY H. MERCER, a citizen of the United States,residing at Claremont, in. the county of Sullivan and State of NewHampshire, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inPiston-Controlling Mechanism, of which the following is a full, clear,and exact specification.

My invention relates to piston controlling mechanism, and moreespecially to controlling mechanism of the type usedin fluid-pressureoperated channeling machines. I

It has among its objects to control the operation of a fluid-pressureoperated piston in an improved manner whereby the same may be readilyadapted to use in work of widely different character. More specifically,my invention has among its objects to provide improved means forcontrolling the operation of a reciprocating piston in such a mannerthat when the same is applied to use in a machine for channeling stone,the same machine may be used either on very hard or very soft stone. Afurther and still more specific object of my invention is to provideimproved controlling mechanism for the cut-off and reverse valves of afluid-pressure operated channeler, the said controlling mechanism beingconnected to the erosshead of the channeler through im )roved adjustableconnections and itself ad ustable so that the character of the blowdelivered by the channeler gang may be regulated as desired to adapt themachine to operateupon extremely hard or very soft stone, or stone of anintermediate character.

In the accompanying drawings I have, for purposes of illustration, shownone embodiment which my invention may assume in practice, the same beingillustrated as applied to a common form of duplex channeler shown, forinstance, in the Mercer and Champagne Patent Number 1,131,256,

issued March 9th, 1915, although it is not limited to use in'such aconstruction, or in fact to any duplex machine, being equally adapted touse in connection with a single machine of the channeler or other typeemploying a reciprocating piston.

In these drawings Figure 1 isa vertical partial sectional view of theduplex channeler mentioned, equipped with my improvement, the valves andtheir connecting ports for convenience being shown all in the sameplane.

Fig. 2 is a partial sectional view taken on line 22 of Fig. 1, showingone of the eccentric pins and its adjusting member used for controllingthe cut-off and reverse valves. 1

Fig. 3 is an end elevation of the construction shown in Fig. 2, the pinadjusting member being removed to facilitate illustration. i

Figs. 4;, 5, and 6, are detail views showing the improved cooperatingd\vell-adjusting mechanism for the reverse valve, the same beingillustrated in a plurality of positions.

Fig. 7 is a partial sectional view taken on line 77 of Fig. 1, showingthe dwelladjusting means and its retaining clip.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken on line 88 of Fig. 7.

As in the construction described in the patent mentioned above, achanneler engine or motor is shown in these drawings, including a frame1 provided with a plurality of cylinders 2, disposed side by side, andhaving pistons 3 operating within the same and connected to crossheads4, the pistons reciprocating alternately in the cylinders in such amanner as alternately to raise and lower channeler gangs 5 which areconnected to the lower ends of the crosshcads, one only of these gangsbeing shown. This alternate operation of the motor pistons 3, andtherefore of the channeler gangs ,5, is brought about in the mannerdescribed in the above mentioned patent, through the provision of a pairof vertically reeiproeable, reverse valves 6, disposed in oppositelylocated, spaced, air or steam inlets 7, and, though to avoid unduerepetition of reference numerals the latter have only been applied tothe left hand 'mcchanism, Fig. 1, each having a plurality of ports 8 and9 cooperating successively with the ports of a central, distributingvalve 10 (which in this connection may be considered as sta tionary) insuch a manner as to control the operation of main valves 11. As shown,the reverse valves 6, themselves, are, while only the left handmechanism, Fig. 1, is so inclicated, also controlled by cut-oil valves12, which have the lower ends of their stems 13 pivotally connected tothe crossheads i with the tops and bottoms of the reverse valve 6.

'By-this construction, as in the case of the patented constructionmentioned above,

when the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 1, with the left-handcut-E valve and reverse valve lowered and the right-hand valve inreverse position, a portion of the air or steam will pass from the lefthand inlet 7 through .the port 8sof the left hand reverse valve 6 and apassage 19 to the bottom of the left hand main valve 11, holding thelatter open and permitting the main volume of the pressure fluid to passfrom the left hand inlet 7 through passages 20 and 21, controlled by theleft hand cut-off and main valves respectively, to a point beneath theleft hand piston3; another small stream of fluid at the same timepassing from the same reverse valve port 8 through a passage 22 to thetop of the right hand main valve 11 and holding the same down so thatthe main volume of the pressure fluid will be permitted to pass from,the right hand inlet 7 through passage 23 and 24 controlled by the righthandcut ofl' and main valves respectively, to a point above the righthand piston 3. Obviously, as the pistons 3are thus operated, since thecrossheads' 4 are connected to the pistons, and the cut-olfvalves areactuated through their connections to the crossheads, this action of theparts will be-reversed, and the action of the cut-off-valves12,*the'reverse valve 6, and the main valve '11, will likewise bereversed, passages 25 and 26 then being employed for the passage of thevalve actuating fluid which opens passages 27, 2 8 and 29, 30 for thepiston operating fluid. It is also obvious that in this operation theexhaust from the upper ends of the cylinder will pass out to theatmosphere through the passages 31, and that the exhaust from the lowerends of the cylinders will pass out to the atmosphere through thepassages 32, these sets of passages being controlled'by suitablyoperated exhaust throttling valves 33 and. 34, respectively, so that asthe work varies, the exhaust may be varied and the pistons may becushioned against striking the upper or lower ends of the cylinders, allin a wellknown manner; 4 r r In my improved construction, I provideimproved connections whereby the action of each cut-off valve 12 andreverse valve 6 may be controlled in such a manner asto vary thecharacter of the blow struck by the gangs 5, and to adapt the machine tode-' liver quick, light blows when working u on hard stone or longer,heavier blowsw on working upon soft stone. These improved given ahalf-turn in either direction, while connections include an adjustablepin 35 having end portions 36 and 37 of different diameter journaled inspaced sleeves 38 and 39 .formed on the lever 15 at one side of theusual pivotal connection 17 of that lever to the frame 1. (See Fig. 2.)As shown in that figure, this pin 35 is provided between its endportions 36 and 37 with an eccentric portion 40 which acts as a journalfor the lower end of the link 14, the latter in turn being connectedthrough a pivotal connection 41 to an, adjustable socket member 42,hereinafter described, and carried on the lower end of the cut-ofi valvestem 13. Through such aconstruction it will be noted that the. pin 35may be rotated in its bearings in such a manner as to vary the positionof its eccentric portion 40, and, therefore, the time and amount ofmovement of the link 14, cut-off valve 12, and the reverse valve 6, inrelation to the movement of the piston 3jin the cylinder. It will alsobe noted that this pin is provided with a plurality ofoppositelyedisposed lugs 43 at its front end, and, at its rear end, witha coil spring 44,.held in position by a washer and pinnconnection 45,the lugs 43 being receivable, incorrespondingly shaped notches 46, inthe sleeve 39 when in the, position shown, or when the pin is the spring44 always acts to holdthe lugs seated in these notches, Obviously, any

suitable ,means may be provided for withdrawing the pin 35 and turningit to effect any desired adjustmentofthe eccentric .40, as, forinstance, a grip portionf47, prefer- V ably'forme'd integral with thepin, ora supplementary handle 48 inserted through a suitable opening inthe grip portion4Z. It is, ofcourse, also obviousthat in the use of theinvention, the eccentric 40 may bejadjustableinto any number ofpositions desired to give the delicacy of adjustment sought, morenotches 46 being provided as wanted. j

Cooperating with the improved means, just described, for varying the runof the cut-off valve, and therefore the action of the same, the reversevalve vand the channeler gang, I have provided improved means forvarying the dwell of the reversevalves, this means including means forrotating the stem 13 of such cut-ofl' valve, and the'provision ofimprovements in the reverse valveactuatingshoulder members 18 carriedfonthe stems 13. As illustrated .in Figs-f1, 4, 5, and 6, these shouldermembers areiste pedand so disposed on the stems 13 as to b'ea ove andbelow the reverse valves 6. Each one of these shoulder members islprovided zin my improved construction,:witha pluralityv shown herein,for purposes of illustration,

at 50, 51, and 52, although any'desired num i ber may be used. By theuse of such a construction, the dwell, or period of inaction, of areverse valve may be varied by simply rotating its corresponding cut-offvalve stem in its socket member 42. The effect of this rotation isclearly shown in Figs. 4, 5, and 6, wherein it will be noted that inFig. 4 the stem 13 is shown rotated into such a position that thereverse valve 6 will be engaged by the surfaces 50, and therefore have arelatively long dwell, while in Fig. 5 the stem-is so rotated that thereverse valve will be engaged by the surfaces 51 and have a shorterdwell; and that'in Fig. 6 the reverse valve will be engaged by thesurfaces 52 and have no dwell whatsoever. As shown in the illustrativeembodiment of my invention illustrated herein, this stem 13 is maderotatable to enable this adjustment, by providing the lower end of thesame with non-spiral or annular grooves 53 engaging correspondinggrooves 1n a bushing 54 carried by the socket 42, and hereinafterdescribed. Further, it will be noted that this valve stem 13 is providedwith three grooves 55, 56, and 57 at a point adjacent to its lower end,arranged in the form of a triangle, and each having a corresponding, butsmaller, roove 58, 59, and 60, extending parallel thereto, on theopposite side of the stem. It will also be noted that a removable springclip 61 is provided on a pin 62 formed on the socket member 42, the cliphaving spring arms 63 and 64 engageable with the surfaces 55, and 58,etc. Obviously, on rotating the stem 13 into any desired position by theuse of the fingers or inserting a suitable pin in an opening 65 in thevalve stem, the dwell of a reverse valve 6 may beregulated as desired,and by means of the member 61, the stem will be held in any adjustedposition. It is of course also ,obvious that, in practice, the varioussurfaces 55', 56, and 57 should be suitably marked so that the runnermay be able to tell at a glance the dwell which is being given thereverse valve.

Cotiperating with these two controlling means for the reverse valves,and acting as a means for taking up any irregularities arising from wearor imperfect construction, and to time the operation of the valves 12and 6, I have provided improved adjustable means for varying theeffective length of the connection between the eut-ofl valve stem 13 andits link 14. This means is preferably disposed immediately below thegrooves 55, 56, and 57, on the valve stem 13, and includes the bushing54 adjustable with respect to the socket member 42, the bushing inquestion being threaded at 66 to the socket, so that its position, andtherefore the efi'ective length of the connection, may be varied asdesired. It will be noted, however, that since thisbushing 54 is notthreaded to the lower end of the valve stem 13 but connected by a freelyrotatable connection, the latter may be rotated freely relative to themember 54 to vary the dwell of the reverse valve 6, without in any wayvarying the effective length of the cut-off valve stem and itsconnections. It will also be noted that, in order to enable facility ofassembly, this bushing 54 is split as shown at 67 in rig. 7 and that inorder to enable a greater range of adjustment to be obtained, the socketmember 42 is likewise split, the parts of the same being clampedtogether by a nut and bolt connection 68, and releasable uponmanipulation of the latter to permit the vertical adjustment of the stem13 in the bushing 54, any large adjustment preferably being obtained bymoving the valve stem 13 up or down one or more notches and thenrotating the bushing 54 to give the desired accuracy of adjustment.

In the operation of my improved mechanism, when it is desired to operatethe ma chine on very hard stone, each eccentric 40 is so adjusted as toactuate its cut-off and reverse valves more quickly, and each valve stem13 is so rotated as to give no dwell to its reverse valve, the pistonsthen being given a relatively short, quick movement to opposite sides ofthe center line of the cylinder, and actuating the gangs to strike therock with a light, quick stroke. When, however, the charaeter of thestone changes and becomes very soft, as is often the case after the outhas been made to a certain depth, the eccentric 40 is then adjusted insuch a manner as to actuate its cut-off and reverse valves less quickly,and the stem is rotated in such a manner as to impart the desired degreeof dwell to its reverse valve, the pistons then having a longer strokein the cylinder and actuating the gang to strike the rock a heavier andmore powerful blow. It has also been found that in stone conditionsintermediate those mentioned above, the desired blow may be obtained bysimply adjusting the dwell of the reverse valves. It will, of course, beunderstood that in the operation of the machine, the upper and lowerexhaust controlling valves 33 and 34 respectively, cooperate with thecontrolling mechanism herein described, the same acting to cushion thepiston at the upper and lower limits of'its travel or to assist inestablishing the length of piston travel desired, at the same time thatthey prevent breakage of the cylinder heads.

In practice it has been found that with my improved construction ofcontrolling mechanism, a machine of a given construction is enabled tooperate on hard stone such as the hard surface stone encountered in thelimestone region, and later, by a simple adjustment of the controllingmechanism, herein described, operate upon the softer underpositionthereof. I

fcoop erat stone, thereby meeting a condition which has heretoforecaused great difliculty, It has also been found that by my improvedconstruction greater elasticity of blow is obtained in operating uponhard stone, and that'the POLWGI' obtainable as the depth of outincreases is materially augmented. Obviously, also, by the use of myimproved and simplified form; of controlling mochanism, an ordinaryrunnermay readily adjust the machine with great facility, all of theparts being readilyaccessible and read ily adjusted. I I I .Vvhile Ihave inthis application specifically described one embodiment which myinvention may I assumein practice, it is, of course, to zbe -understoodthat this form of the invention 'isused only forpurposes ofillustration, and that the embodiment there: of shown herein may bemodified and the invention itself embodied in other forms and applied tosingle gang: ,channelers and other machines employing a similar piston,without departing from its spirit, it being my, intention to include allsuch modifications within the scope of the appended claims. I, I I I WVhat I claim asnewand desire to secure by Letters Patentis I I 1. Incombination, a fluid inlet, piston mechanism, operative connectionsbetween thesameincluding a"reverse valve, and means adjustable by'asingle operation for regulatingthedwell; of said reverse valvein:eachpositi-onthereof, 4 t I I I: I In gcombination, wa fluid iinlet,fluid pressure operated percussive tool Imecha nism, operativeconnections-between the same including a reverse valve, and meansadjustable by asingle operation. for varying the dwell of saidreverse'valv e in each 3.,Ingconrbination, a fluid inlet, fluid pressureoperated; piston mechanisnn operative' connections between the sameincluding a reverse'valve, means for varying the time of operation ofsaid reverse valve, and ing means, for regulating, the dwell of saidreverse valve. i I .7: t

4L. In combinatiOn, a. fluid inlet, fluid pressure opera-ted piston mecl1 anism;,.oper ative A connections between the same includingra reversevalve and a cut-off valve, and meanson said cut-off valve and adjustableby manipulation of said cut-ofl" valve for varying the dwell of saidreverse valve.

5. In combination, a fluid :inlet, fluid pressure operated pistonmechanism, o perative connections between the samein-cludinga cut-offvalvehavinga stem and a reverse valve, and means carried by said outjoifvalve stem: and adjustable by manipulareverse valve, I ,6. Incomhmation,a fluid inlet, a cut-off tion thereof for. varying the dwell, of saidadjustment thereof for regulating the dwell I I of said reverse valve. I7. In c-omb1nat1on,a fluid inlet, mechanism including a valvecontrolling the same,

spaced adjustable stepped shoulder members carried by' said. valve, a,fluid' outlet, and a reverse valve controlling the same and cngageablealternately with and actuated by said shoulder members. V

8. In combination, a fluid inlet, a cut-off:

valve controlling the same, a stepped shoulder memberon said cut-offvalve, a distributing valve, a reverse valve controlling the latter andengageable with and actuated by said shoulder member, and means forrotating said. cut-off valve and stepped'shoulder member. v i

9. In combination, a fiuidinlet, mecha nism including arvalve forcontrolling-the flow of fluid therethrough, meansforfregulatingthetimeof operation of said valve, and; supplementary means for adjusting thedwell ofsaidvalvef V 10. In combination, a fluid pressure op-i eratedmotor,'a valve therefonja movable and adjustable I connection betweensaid motor and valve, and a pluralityoffmeans operable uponadjustmentofOne of tlifesame and controllable by adjustment ofsaidconnection for varying the dwell of said valve.

11. In combination, a fluid inlet, a piston mechanism, operativeconnections between the same inoludinga reverse.valve,an ad justableconnection between said piston and reverse; valve, and {means comprisingI a plurality of members-,operable. as akunit to vary thedwellofsanlreverse valve. a a

12. In combination, a fluid inlet, a fluid pressure operatedpistonmechanism, operative' mechanism between the same including a cut-oflvalveandva reverse valve, stepped reverse valve actuating .means carriedby said cut-ofl' valve, and meansfor adjusting said steppedmeans intoaplurality of positions to cause the same tozengagesaid reverse valve atdifl'erent times,

I 13, In combination, a .tool, a driving motor therefor, a valve forcontrolling said motor, a valve actuating mechanism con nec ted betweensaid tool and valveincluding a cut-off valve having a rotatable stem,and means on said stem and adjustable bylrotation thereof for varyingthe dwell of vsaid first mentioned valve.

, 14- In combination, a frame, a fluid pressure operated motor thereon,a controlling valve for said motor, a rotatable valve actuating member,dwell varying means carried on said member, adjustable by rotationthereof, and engageable with said valve, and

an operative connection between said member and said motor.

15. In combination, a frame, a fluid pres sure operated motor thereon, acontrolling valve for said motor, a rotatable valve actuating member,dwell varying means on said member, adjustable by rotation thereof, andengageable with said valve, an operative connection between said 'memberand said motor, and an eccentric in said operative connection forcontrolling the movement of said member.

16. In a channeling machine, a fluid inlet, a fluid pressure motorconnected thereto, main and cut-oif valves controlling the connection ofsaid motor to said inlet, a reverse valve, means for varying the dwellof said reverse valve, and independently adjustable means for varyingthe run of said cut-olf valve.

17. In combination, a fluid inlet, piston mechanism, operativeconnections between the same including a reverse valve, a connectionbetween said piston and reverse valve, cooperating means for varying thedwell of said reverse valve, and cooperating means for varying thelength of said connection.

18. In combination, a tool, a driving motor therefor, a motorcontrolling valve, a valve actuating connection between said valve andtool, means carried by said connection for varying the time of operationof said valve, means for varying the dwell thereof, and supplementarymeans for varying the effective length of said connection.

19. In combinatioma distributing valve, a reverse valve controlling theflow of fluid therethrough, means for regulating the time of operationof said reverse valve, supplementary means for adjusting the dwell ofsaid reverse valve, and supplementary means controlling the adjustmentof said regulating means.

20. In combination, a frame, a fluid pressure operated motor thereon, avalve for said motor, a valve actuating member pivotally connected tosaid frame and engageable with said valve, rotatable means on saidmember for varying the dwell of said valve, means for varying theeffective length of said member, and means operatively connecting saidmember to said motor.

21. In combination, a valve stem having a notched end, a correspondinglynotched member receiving the same, a threaded member receiving said lastmentioned member, both of said members being split, and a means forclampin said members upon the notched end of said valve stem.

22. In combination, a valve stem having a plurality of surfaces thereon,a socket member in which said valve stem is rotatably mounted, and aclip carried by said socket member having spring arms engageable withcertain of the surfaces on' said valve stem.

23. In combination, a cylinder, a piston movable therein, fluid passagesfor conducting fluid to and from said cylinder, a valve controlling theentry of fluid to said cylinder, an adjustable valve controllingconnection between said valve and piston, a valve stem for said lastnamed valve, means controllable by adjustment of said stem for varyingthe dwell of said valve, and cooperating means for controlling theexhaust from said cylinder.

24:. In combination, a motor, a fluid pres sure operated distributingvalve therefor, a cut-off valve, a reversing valve operated by saidcut-off valve for controlling said distributing valve, and mechanismoperated by said motor for actuating said cut-off valve, said mechanismincluding an adjustable eccentric for varying the movements of saidcut-ofi valve and means for varying the time of operation thereof.

25. In combination, a motor, a fluid pressure operated distributingvalve therefor, a cut-off valve, a reversing valve operated by saidcut-off valve for controlling said distributing valve, and mechanismoperated by said motor for actuating said cut-off valve, said mechanismincluding means for varying the movements of said cut-off valve andmeans for regulating the dwell of said reverse valve.

26. In combination, a motor, a fluid pressure operated distributingvalve therefor, a cut-off valve, a reversing valve operated by saidcut-off valve for controlling said distributing valve, and mechanismoperated by said motor for actuating said cut-off valve, said mechanismincluding a single adjustable element for causing the actuation of saidcut-off valve by said mechanism to be varied both as to the travel andthe time of ope 'ation thereof.

27. In combination, a motor, a fluid pressure operated distributingvalve therefor, a cut-off valve, a reversing VttlWi operated by saidcut-off valve for controlling said distributing valve, and mechanismoperated by said motor for actuating said cut-oif valve, said mechanismincluding a single adjustable element for causing the actuation of saidcut-off valve by said mechanism to be varied both as to the travel andthe time of operation thereof and means adjustable by a single operationfor regulating the dwell of said reverse valve in each position thereof.

28. In combination, a casing havin a fluid inlet, a cut-off valvetherefor, a fliiid pressure operated piston operatively connected tosaid inlet, a reverse valve, a casing therefor, an operative connectionbetween said piston and said valves, and means in said connection andoperable from the exfor said valves,-means carried by said cut-ofi valveand operable from the exterior of said casing for varying the dwell ofsaid reverse 10 valve, and means for regulating the time of operation ofsaid cut-off valve. In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

HENRY H. MERCER.

terior of said casing for varying the run of said out-off valve and thedwell of said reverse valve.

29. In combination,- a fluid inlet, a fluid pressure operated pistonmechanism, operative connections between the same including a cut-ofi'valve and a reverse valve, a casing Gopies of this patent may beobtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. G.

